Bahlil Lahadalia Details Fuel Reserves Amid Distribution Issues

National energy reserves for Pertalite stand between 16 and 18 days, while supplies of other fuel types remain stable above 20 days, according to Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources figures released Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia announced the inventory levels following coordination meetings in Bali and at the State Palace in Jakarta, attributing recent regional supply issues to distribution challenges rather than any deficit in national stock.

Logistical Disruptions and Island-Level Shortages

Supply constraints in Bali developed after transport ships carrying fuel from Java experienced delayed arrivals, which temporarily drove island reserves down to three or four days, according to Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources data. Similar delivery bottlenecks also surfaced in Bangkalan and Sampang in East Java before supplementary shipments restored normal flow. Bahlil stated that national distribution bottlenecks formed the core of the issue rather than domestic scarcity, noting that reserves for other fuel types, including Solar, comfortably exceed 20 days nationwide.

Fleet Adjustments and Distribution Improvements

To counter delivery delays, the government expanded transport fleets and adjusted shipping lanes across Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Sumatra, where weather conditions caused river siltation that prevented large vessels from reaching delivery points. Pertamina shifted affected routes to alternative overland transport, which required longer transit times and forced logistics adjustments. Following the deployment of additional transport vessels to Bali, island fuel reserves climbed to 11 or 12 days, helping ease vehicle queues at service stations in areas such as Hayam Wuruk in Denpasar.

Targeted Reserve Increases for Regional Hubs

Government officials plan to raise Bali’s inventory threshold up to 15 days through directives issued to the Directorate General of Oil and Gas and the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas). The Sanggaran Fuel Terminal coordination meeting included the Governor of Bali, the Bali Police Chief, the Commander of the IX/Udayana Military Region, the President Director of Pertamina, the President Director of Pertamina Patra Niaga, and the Head of BPH Migas. Bahlil noted during the evaluation that while national Solar requirements have been met without imports, certain volumes of Pertalite still require overseas imports.

Unresolved Distribution Variables Across Regional Waterways

While officials confirmed that transport teams addressed localized queues in East Java and Bali, the government continues to monitor supply arrivals, fleet readiness, and regional services to ensure distribution reliability.